All Roll Calls
Yes: 124 • No: 1
ArkansasHB14402025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
TO AMEND THE MASSAGE THERAPY ACT; AND TO ESTABLISH REGISTRATION FOR MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENTS.
Sponsored By: Mary Bentley (Republican), Dave Wallace (Republican)
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Stronger penalties for massage sexual misconduct
Sexual misconduct and specified breast-massage violations require license or registration revocation lasting at least three years. The advisory committee must review and approve requests to restore a license. The breast-massage rule addresses massage outside the law’s specified therapeutic and medical purposes. Its stated exception requires at least 48 hours of continuing education in lymphatic, myofascial, or oncology massage. These rules protect clients and can stop affected practitioners from earning massage income.
Massage operators face discipline and fines
Massage license and registration holders face discipline for employing, contracting with, or allowing people without current licenses or learning permits to perform massage techniques. Operating without establishment registration is also grounds for discipline. The advisory committee may impose a $25–$1,000 fine per violation instead of suspending or revoking registration. It must formally find that the fine achieves the disciplinary goal without harming public health, safety, welfare, or morals. Registration stays suspended until the fine is paid.
New registration rules for massage businesses
Arkansas massage businesses must register with the Department of Health before opening or operating. Applications must list principals and licensed therapists, with proof of principals’ business interests. State good-standing certificates and local business licenses are required when applicable. Individual applicants and business principals must apply for state and federal criminal background checks through state police and the FBI. Registration lasts two years, cannot be transferred, and application changes must be reported within 10 business days. Businesses already registered and in good standing when the section takes effect have 90 days to submit required documents. Businesses may employ only people with valid department-issued licenses to perform massage therapy.
Massage businesses face hygiene and inspection rules
Massage businesses must provide an accessible restroom and hand-washing sink with hot and cold water and soap. Towels and sheets must be laundered before reuse; workers with diseases spread by contact must stop work until safe. Businesses must clearly display their official registration. The Department of Health may inspect businesses and schools during operating hours, but cannot enter rooms during client treatment. Schools require inspections at least yearly; each clinic or spa’s annual inspection fee is capped at $75.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Mary Bentley
Republican • House
Dave Wallace
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Senate Vote - Wednesday, April 9, 2025 5:55:11 PM
Yes: 29 • No: 1 • Other: 5
House vote • 2/26/2025
House Vote - Wednesday, February 26, 2025 2:50:03 PM
Yes: 95 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Notification that HB1440 is now Act 629
4/16/2025HouseCorrectly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's Office.
4/10/2025HouseTO BE ENROLLED
4/9/2025HouseReturned from the Senate as passed.
4/9/2025HouseReturned to the House as passed.
4/9/2025SenateRead the third time and passed.
4/9/2025SenateReturned by the Committee, with the recommendation that it Do Pass
4/7/2025SenateRead first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE - SENATE
2/26/2025SenateReceived from the House.
2/26/2025SenateRead the third time and passed and ordered transmitted to the Senate.
2/26/2025HouseReturned by the Committee Do Pass
2/25/2025HouseREPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
2/24/2025HouseAmendment No. 1 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
2/24/2025HousePlaced on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
2/24/2025HouseRead the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE- HOUSE
2/10/2025HouseFiled
2/10/2025House
Bill Text
HB1440 - Introduced
2/10/2025
Act Version
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